2027 Kia Telluride Highway Fuel Economy Test: Real World Results Explained
Table of Contents
The 2027 Kia Telluride brings a big change under the hood. Kia dropped the old V6 and moved to a smaller turbocharged engine. On paper, that sounds like better efficiency. But numbers on paper and real life are often different things.
So instead of guessing, this test focuses on what actually happens on a highway drive.
What’s New Under the Hood
The biggest update for 2027 is the engine.
- 2.5 litre turbocharged 4 cylinder
- 274 horsepower
- 311 lb ft torque
- Regular fuel, no premium needed
That last point matters. For family SUV buyers, fuel cost over time adds up. Regular petrol keeps ownership simple.
The official EPA rating sits at:
- 18 mpg city
- 24 mpg highway
- 20 mpg combined
The big question is simple. Can it beat 24 mpg on the highway in the real world?
How This Fuel Economy Test Was Done
This was not a casual drive. The method stayed consistent to keep things fair.
- Fuel tank filled to full before starting
- 100 mile highway loop
- Normal drive mode only
- Speed kept around highway limits
- Checkpoints at 25, 50, 75, and 100 miles
- Final result calculated manually after refueling
No tricks. No eco mode games. Just how most people would actually drive this SUV.
Real World Driving Impressions
Before jumping into numbers, one thing stands out.
The Telluride is still a proper road trip machine.
- Seats feel supportive for long drives
- Driving position is relaxed
- Armrest and cabin layout feel natural
- Highway Drive Assist reduces effort
It’s the kind of SUV where you settle in and just cruise. That matters because most buyers will use it exactly like this.
Fuel Economy Results at Every Checkpoint
25 Miles
- Display reading: 25.3 mpg
Already above the official 24 mpg rating. A good start.
50 Miles
- Display reading: 26.3 mpg
The number actually improved as the drive continued. That’s usually a sign of stable highway efficiency.
75 Miles
- Display reading: 26.7 mpg
Now pushing close to 27 mpg, which is impressive for a large 3 row SUV.
Final 100 Mile Result
- Display reading: 26.6 mpg
- Distance covered: 101.5 miles
At this point, it clearly beats the official highway rating.
Manual Fuel Economy Calculation
Now the important part. The real number.
- Total distance: 101.5 miles
- Fuel used: 4.017 gallons
Calculated fuel economy:
- 25.26 mpg
This is lower than what the car showed. That’s normal. Cars often display slightly optimistic numbers.
But here’s what matters:
- Still 1.26 mpg better than EPA estimate
How It Compares to the Old V6
The older Telluride used a V6 engine. Interestingly, the official fuel economy ratings are almost the same.
That raised questions at launch.
Now, based on this test:
- The turbo engine performs better in real highway conditions
- Efficiency improves over longer steady drives
- It holds speed without working too hard
This suggests the turbo setup may be more efficient in actual usage, even if official numbers don’t show a big difference.
Comparison With Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade still runs a V6 in many versions.
On paper:
- Similar fuel economy ratings
In reality:
- The new Telluride turbo seems to edge ahead on highways
Not a massive gap, but noticeable.
Should You Wait for the Hybrid?
There is talk of a future Telluride hybrid.
So the decision becomes simple:
- Want better efficiency now → this turbo model already delivers
- Want maximum fuel savings → waiting for hybrid could make sense
But based on this test, the current model is already doing better than expected.
Final Verdict
The numbers speak clearly.
- EPA highway rating: 24 mpg
- Real world manual result: 25.26 mpg
- Best observed: 26.7 mpg
For a large AWD three row SUV, that’s solid.
The switch from V6 to turbo 4 might not look exciting on paper, but on the road, it works. You get:
- Better than expected highway efficiency
- No need for premium fuel
- Same comfortable road trip experience
Nothing dramatic. Just a practical improvement that actually shows up in real driving.
Sources & References
- Kia Official Telluride Page (USA)
Official Kia website with specs, features, and latest Telluride updates for US buyers. - Kia Media Official Specifications
Manufacturer level technical specs including fuel type, engine details, and engineering data. - Car and Driver Telluride Overview
Trusted US automotive publication with verified specs, engine details, and expert insights. - Edmunds First Drive Review
Real world review with detailed driving impressions and performance breakdown. - MotorTrend First Drive Review
In depth analysis of performance, engine behavior, and real driving experience. - Fuel Economy and Specs Breakdown
Clear MPG figures for gas and hybrid models with US spec comparison. - Car and Driver Hybrid Details
Estimated fuel economy and expectations for the upcoming hybrid version. - Edmunds Full Model Overview
Pricing, range, and efficiency insights for US market buyers.
2027 Kia Telluride Fuel Economy FAQs
What engine does the 2027 Kia Telluride use?
The 2027 Telluride comes with a 2.5 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder engine. It produces 274 horsepower and 311 lb ft of torque. This replaces the older V6 engine used in previous models.
What is the official fuel economy rating?
The official EPA rating is 18 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined.
What fuel economy did the Telluride achieve in real world testing?
In a 100 mile highway test, the Telluride returned 25.26 mpg when calculated manually. The car display showed around 26.6 mpg, but the manual calculation is more accurate.
How was the fuel economy test conducted?
The test started with a full tank and covered 101.5 miles on the highway. The vehicle was driven in normal mode at consistent speeds. Fuel usage was measured by refilling the tank after the drive.
Does the 2027 Telluride require premium fuel?
No, the Telluride runs on regular gasoline. This helps reduce running costs for daily use and long road trips.
Is the turbo engine more efficient than the old V6?
In real highway driving, the turbo engine performed better than expected. It exceeded the official rating and may offer better efficiency than the older V6 in similar conditions.
What were the fuel economy readings during the drive?
At 25 miles, the car showed 25.3 mpg. At 50 miles, it increased to 26.3 mpg. At 75 miles, it reached 26.7 mpg. The final display average was about 26.6 mpg.
Was this test done on an all wheel drive model?
Yes, the test vehicle was an all wheel drive EX X Line model, which typically has slightly lower efficiency than front wheel drive versions.
Is the Telluride comfortable for long highway drives?
Yes, the Telluride remains a strong road trip SUV. It offers comfortable seating, a relaxed driving position, and features like highway drive assist that reduce driver effort.
Should you wait for the Telluride hybrid?
If fuel efficiency is your top priority, waiting for the hybrid may make sense. However, the current turbo model already delivers better than expected highway fuel economy.
